Biography
I started riding when I was seven. I am sure that the reason that I got my first pony was that I was so annoying. Every day after school I took carrots over to my next door neighbor’s pony, Star. Pretty soon my neighbor was at my front door talking with my father, "$50 and you get the pony, the saddle and the rake to clean his stall. Get your kid off my yard!" The rest is history!!!
I’m still obsessed with ponies. (I own 3 ponies including a Welsh cob and a 12.3 hand Welsh /Andalusian), as well as two Warmblood horses. I started riding with a local instructor who stressed the importance of good horsemanship and basic riding skills. Only after I mastered the basics, was I allowed to go to any competitions! This focus on basics has served me well. I will always be thankful to Linda Gottlied for her positive influence.
I have had incredible opportunities to ride in many disciplines; Western, hunt seat, saddle seat, barrel racing, trail, three day eventing and Dressage. Every discipline has techniques that are useful and that I have incorporated into my approach to training.
I have now fulfilled my dream of becoming an international trainer and I have attained the highest level of US certification as a USDF 4th level Instructor/Trainer. I have earned my USDF Bronze and Silver Medals and only need 2 more scores for my Gold Medal! I am currently an FEI dressage competitor and a multi-time Regional and National Champion. My students and I compete all breeds of horses and ponies in open Dressage Competitions, as well as Andalusian and Friesian shows.
I am a California native who has spent my life taking advantage of remarkable learning opportunities. I have worked with wonderful trainers such as Johann Hinnemann, Mette Rosencrantz, Betsey Steiner and Eicke Von Velthiem. Since 2002, I have been fortunate to clinic with dressage master Conrad Schumacher.
I developed my own training system that I call S.P.U.R.S. (Susan Peacock Ultimate Riding System) that includes goal setting, lesson planning, and organizational skills. I am very proud of the work that I do with my clients, horses in training, as well as my very successful apprentice programmes. My husband and I own and operate a small yard called Eastvale Equestrian, in the new city of Eastvale, California.
It makes me so happy that my work has made me a very popular clinician and guest lecturer, getting to teach private clinics inside and outside of the United States, USDF Adult Camps and USPC Clinics. I also enjoy supporting the Junior and Young Rider programmes in the US, and I have been a guest presenter at conventions including The 2000 USPC National Convention.
My students and my images appear in many books including: 'USDF Guide to Dressage', 'Dressage by the letter' by Moira Harris and '101 Dressage Exercises' by Jec Ballou. I have been a contributor to magazines such as Dressage Today, The USDF Connection and other riding publications. The 'Ride from Within DVD' series by my good friend James Shaw, features my yard and students. I am shown riding without a saddle on Nysbert, a beautiful Freisian, as well as riding dressage on Jolie, a Dutch gelding.
I love teaching horses and riders as much as I love to ride and compete. I feel that most riders struggle with their riding because information has not been presented in a clear and concise manner. I use a large combination of teaching styles so that every learning need is met. I developed my own style of biomechanics which draws information from my riding and teaching experiences, martial arts, pilates and yoga. I feel that every rider can have success if they have a positive attitude and the right instructor. So let’s get busy and ride!
(Editor's note: Click here to see the videos of Suzie on Horse Hero.)
